Emmer continues to walk back minimum wage statements

GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer’s campaign is still in damage control mode after he expressed support recently for lowering the minimum wage for workers who earn tips. Emmer stopped by a Mexican restaurant on Saturday in advance of a town meeting with servers scheduled for Wednesday. There were no media at the restaurant over the weekend, but the Emmer’s campaign released a video from the evening, which included clips of the candidate waiting tables (video after the jump).

The video starts with Emmer clarifying his initial remarks that stirred the controversy.

All I did was to respond to them [restaurant owners] when they said, “if it was offered, would you advocate for a tip credit?” And I said yes.

But then the next question has not been publicized very well. The next question was, “well Tom, so you’re saying that you would reduce the minimum wage,” and my answer was that would be foolish, absolutely not. We’re not talking about reducing anyone’s wages, we’re talking about making sure everyone can be successful.

Emmer appears to miss the point that a tip credit is a zero sum game. Minnesota is one of only a few states that mandate that employees receive regular minimum wage in addition to any tips that they earn. Implementing a credit could allow restaurants to pay their employees at $2.13 an hour, the federal minimum level for tip-earners.

Emmer has since clarified that if elected, he would institute a tip credit, but one that does not change current wages. “He now says he would freeze their pay where it is now, even if the minimum wage goes up for everyone else,” WCCO reported. Of course, in an Emmer governorship any raise in the minimum wage would be unlikely.

At the end of the video, Emmer again attempts to strike a balance between business owners and employees. He suggests two minor policy proposals: removing taxes on tips and on meals provided to servers.

Though the video does little to clarify how exactly Emmer would institute his policies, it is well worth watching, if only to see a gubernatorial candidate serving margaritas.